Chattogram: In a bid to avoid a series sweep at the hands of Zimbabwe for the first time on home soil, Bangladesh will take on the visitors in the second and final Test tomorrow at the Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. The match, which starts at 10:00 am, will be aired live on state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV). According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh stands on the verge of being whitewashed in the series following their three-wicket defeat in the first Test in Sylhet. The batting collapse led to an unexpected defeat against Zimbabwe, a team often considered an underdog in Test cricket. Zimbabwe's strategic exploitation of Bangladesh's batting weaknesses secured their first victory in this format since 2021 and their first win on Bangladeshi soil since 2018. With the win, Zimbabwe leveled with Bangladesh in terms of overall Test victories, with both teams now having won eight matches against each other in 19 encounters. However, Bangladesh is prioritizing national pride over statistics as they aim for a comeback. Despite Zimbabwe's recent success, Bangladesh is optimistic about reversing their fortunes. The team recognized that a comeback is feasible, given that Zimbabwe struggled to chase down only 174 runs in the first innings. Bangladesh's bowlers performed commendably, keeping the game competitive despite the batting failures. Bangladesh batter Jaker Ali Anik, who scored 58 in the second innings of the Sylhet Test, expressed confidence in the team's ability to recover. "We are looking at the process to get out of this situation. Since the first Test did not go as we planned, we believe we need to iron out the things. We have discussed it," he said. Anik emphasized that improving the batting performance is crucial as the team has been struggling in this area for some time. Bangladesh has frequently been dismissed for under 200 runs, especially on home ground, where they haven't won a Test match since 2023. In the Sylhet Test, Bangladesh managed only 191 runs in their first innings and conceded an 82-run lead. In their second innings, they were all out for 255, setting Zimbabwe a meager target of 174 runs for victory. Anik highlighted the need for better shot selection and collective batting effort, stating, "Bowlers alone cannot win matches. We want all our batsmen to give their best performance in the coming match." Bangladesh is expected to make at least two changes to the team, with Anamul Haque Bijoy potentially replacing one opener. Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib is likely to make his Test debut as Nahid Rana has been released to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, buoyed by their victory in the first Test, is eager to make the series memorable by winning the second Test as well. Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran anticipates a strong response from Bangladesh in the upcoming match. "We are expecting Bangladesh to come really hard at us. We are not expecting this to be an easy game," Curran said. Curran expressed confidence in his team's preparation an d morale, stating, "The boys are confident. We will keep doing our processes right. Conditions in Chattogram will be different here from Sylhet." The squads for the second Test are as follows: Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Nahid Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib. Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Ben Curran, Trevor Gwandu, Wessly Madhevere, Wellington Masakadza, Vincent Masekesa, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Nicholas Welch, Sean Williams.
